Axis Bank has recently changed how its credit card rewards work. If you use cards like Atlas, Olympus, or Magnus, these updates change the value of the points you earn.
While the cards are still useful for daily spending, the “extra” value for luxury travel has been reduced. Here is everything you need to know:
Key Partners Removed
In the past, you could move your Axis points to partner hotels and airlines to get high value. Three of the most popular partners have now been removed. You can no longer send your points to these companies.
| Partner Name | Category | Why This Matters |
| Accor Live Limitless | Hotels | This was the most reliable option. It gave a fixed, high value for hotel stays across the world. |
| Qatar Airways | Airline | A favorite for international travelers. It allowed users to book premium seats and connect to other global airlines. |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hotels | One of the largest hotel chains. It was a go-to for luxury stays using reward points. |
Changes to Point Values (Transfer Ratios)
For the airline partners that are still available, Axis Bank has changed the “ratio.” This means you now need more Axis points to get the same amount of airline miles.
For major partners like British Airways, Finnair, and Vietnam Airlines, the value has been cut in half.
| Card Type | Old Ratio | New Ratio | Impact |
| Atlas | 1 point = 2 miles | 2 points = 1 mile | 50% less value |
| Olympus | 1 point = 4 miles | 1 point = 2 miles | 50% less value |
| Magnus | 5 points = 2 miles | 5 points = 1 mile | 50% less value |
In simple terms: If a flight used to cost you 50,000 points, it will now cost you 100,000 points.
Who Is Affected the Most?
Not everyone will feel these changes in the same way. It depends on how you prefer to use your rewards.
| If you use points for | Impact | Explanation |
| Shopping Vouchers | Low | If you buy Amazon or Flipkart vouchers, the value remains mostly the same. |
| Cashback | Low | Using points to pay your card bill is still a standard option. |
| International Travel | Critical | This group loses the most. Flights and luxury hotels now require much more spending. |
Summary of the Changes
To help you see the big picture, here is a final summary of what has stayed the same and what has changed.
| Feature | Status |
| Earning Points | You still earn points at the same rate when you spend money. |
| Transfer Partners | Fewer options available. Accor, Marriott, and Qatar are gone. |
| Redemption Cost | Traveling with points is now twice as expensive for key airlines. |
| Best Strategy | Use points for vouchers or remaining partners if you still find value. |
Conclusion
The “Golden Era” of Axis Bank rewards, where points could be turned into expensive luxury trips for free, has ended. The programme is now a standard rewards system.
If you pay a high annual fee for a premium Axis card specifically for travel, it is a good time to check if the benefits still match the cost. For regular daily users, the card still functions well for basic rewards and shopping discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still book Qatar Airways flights using Axis points?
Yes, but indirectly. Axis has added British Airways as a partner. Since both airlines use “Avios” as their currency, you can transfer your Axis points to British Airways and then link your account to move those points to Qatar Airways for free. Keep in mind that the new transfer ratio is lower than before.
2. Why did the “Transfer Ratio” change for the new partners?
Axis Bank has introduced a “Group A” and “Group B” system. New partners like British Airways and Finnair are in Group A, which has a lower value ratio (for example, 2:1 instead of the old 1:2 on Atlas cards). This change was made by the bank to reduce the overall cost of the rewards programme.
3. Is there a way to still get high value for hotel stays?
With Accor and Marriott gone, the best remaining hotel option is ITC Hotels. While it doesn’t have the same global reach as the others, it still offers a solid “Group B” transfer ratio for domestic luxury stays. Alternatively, you can use points for Wyndham Rewards or IHG One Rewards, though the value per point may be lower.